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Ukraine’s Youth Recruitment Drive Struggles to Attract Volunteers

Fewer than 500 young Ukrainians have signed up for one-year frontline service contracts despite financial incentives, highlighting war fatigue and recruitment challenges.

A young recruit of the 28th Knights of the Winter Campaign Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces hides from a drone during an exercise, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine April 4, 2025. Ukraine's Defence Ministry launched a recruitment drive for young people, 18 to 24-year-olds, to serve in the military for a year for the equivalent of about $24,000 and hefty bonuses. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
Young recruits of the 28th Knights of the Winter Campaign Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attend a tactical medical exercise, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine April 4, 2025. Ukraine's Defence Ministry launched a recruitment drive for young people, 18 to 24-year-olds, to serve in the military for a year for the equivalent of about $24,000 and hefty bonuses. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
Young recruits of the 28th Knights of the Winter Campaign Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attend an exercise, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine April 4, 2025. Ukraine's Defence Ministry launched a recruitment drive for young people, 18- to 24-year-olds, to serve in the military for a year for the equivalent of about $24,000 and hefty bonuses. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
A young recruit of the 72nd Chorni Zaporozhtsi Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attends an exercise, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine April 5, 2025. Ukraine's Defence Ministry launched a recruitment drive for young people, 18- to 24-year-olds, to serve in the military for a year for the equivalent of about $24,000 and hefty bonuses. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

Overview

  • Ukraine launched a youth-focused recruitment drive in February 2025, targeting 18- to 24-year-olds with one-year combat contracts.
  • The incentive package includes a monthly salary of up to $2,900, a $24,000 cash bonus, interest-free home loans, and a one-year exemption from future mobilization.
  • As of late April 2025, fewer than 500 recruits have joined, despite the program expanding from 6 to 24 brigades, reflecting low uptake and persistent war fatigue.
  • The initiative aims to professionalize Ukraine’s armed forces, reduce reliance on forced mobilization, and lower the average soldier age, currently around 45.
  • Recruits face rigorous training, including simulated artillery and drone exercises, which reveal the stark realities of frontline combat compared to media portrayals.